Topical Bible: Joy: Experienced by The Just

◄ Joy: Experienced by The Just ►

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In the biblical context, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in the spiritual realities of God's presence, promises, and salvation. For the just, or the righteous, joy is not merely an emotional response to favorable circumstances but a deep-seated state of being that arises from a relationship with God and a life lived in accordance with His will.

Source of Joy for the Just

The joy experienced by the just is primarily derived from their relationship with God. Psalm 16:11 declares, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." This verse highlights that the presence of God is the ultimate source of joy for the righteous. The just find joy in knowing God and walking in His ways, as their lives are aligned with His divine purpose.

Joy in Salvation

Salvation is a central theme in the joy of the just. Isaiah 61:10 expresses this sentiment: "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness." The just rejoice in the salvation provided by God, recognizing it as a gift that brings eternal security and peace. This joy is not contingent on earthly circumstances but is anchored in the assurance of God's saving grace.

Joy in Obedience and Righteous Living

The just experience joy through obedience to God's commandments and living a life of righteousness. Psalm 19:8 states, "The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Obedience to God's law is not burdensome for the just; rather, it is a source of joy as it reflects their love for God and their desire to please Him.

Joy in Trials and Suffering

Remarkably, the just can experience joy even in the midst of trials and suffering. James 1:2-3 encourages believers, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." The just understand that trials are opportunities for spiritual growth and refinement, leading to a deeper faith and reliance on God. This perspective allows them to maintain joy despite external hardships.

Joy in Fellowship and Community

The just also find joy in fellowship with other believers. Acts 2:46 describes the early church: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart." The community of faith provides encouragement, support, and shared joy as believers gather to worship and serve together.

Joy in Hope and Future Glory

Finally, the just experience joy in the hope of future glory. Romans 12:12 exhorts, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer." The anticipation of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises fuels the joy of the just, as they look forward to an eternal inheritance and the ultimate realization of God's kingdom.

In summary, the joy experienced by the just is multifaceted, encompassing their relationship with God, salvation, obedience, trials, fellowship, and hope. It is a joy that transcends circumstances and is deeply rooted in the spiritual realities of the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 21:15
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The vicissitudes Experienced in the Christian Life
... The Vicissitudes Experienced in the Christian Life. ... Is this the joy so
promised"this the love,. ... Am just as void of purpose as of peace; ...
/.../the vicissitudes experienced in the.htm

Making the Man.
... the poet and author of "The Seasons," and Isaac Watts had just passed away ... for release
from the burden of sin, and the great joy he experienced when light ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/ii making the man.htm

How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ...
... The Laws Of Their Country, And Experienced Great Afflictions ... Shiloh, out of a prodigious
and a just anger, and ... Benjamites returned to the city with joy, and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how after the.htm

Diversity of Grace.
... It is at the moment of, and just after the awakening that holy souls ... that which turns
out to be a subject of the greatest joy they have ever experienced. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section ii diversity of grace.htm

Of the Perturbations of the Soul which Appear as Right Affections ...
... not of the common herd, but of the eminently pious, just, and holy ... not quite lost
to truth would say that neither love nor joy shall be experienced there ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of the perturbations of.htm

Happiness Deriving from Perfect Uniformity.
... The just man is like the sun, constant in his ... This however will be experienced only
in the inferior part ... Our Lord assured his apostles: "Your joy no man shall ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/3 happiness deriving from perfect.htm

Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
... Just before God had smiled upon him""Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy ... That
holy man experienced the extremes of honor and infamy, joy and grief ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon v abrams horror of.htm

The Lost Sheep.
... Who are the just persons who need no repentance ... the shepherd must be bestowed on
the sheep that has gone astray, and his greatest joy be experienced when it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxii the lost sheep.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... who have not yet experienced the inward joy of hearty ... for the soul that has not yet
experienced inward love ... how to hold a discreet mien and just language in ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm

On the Feast of St Timothy, or the Memorial of St Peter
... who have not yet experienced the inward joy of hearty ... for the soul that has not yet
experienced inward love ... how to hold a discreet mien and just language in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xii on the feast.htm